View our latest news stories below

• Updated Scarlet Fever and Strep A

  Fri 16 Dec 2022

   

  Dear Parent(s) / Carer(s),

  Re: Increase in scarlet fever

  We are writing to inform you of a recent increase in notifications of scarlet fever to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), above seasonal expected levels.

  We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the signs, symptoms and the actions to be taken if you think that you or your child might have scarlet fever.

  Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever

  While case numbers are high, parents should be on the lookout for the symptoms of scarlet fever so that appropriate and timely treatment can be given.

  Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness that clears up quickly after a course of antibiotics. It usually starts with a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, followed by a rash that feels like sandpaper to the touch.

  The rash usually develops after 12 to 48 hours, typically on the chest and stomach first, then rapidly spreading to other parts of the body.

  On white skin the rash looks pink or red. On brown and black skin it might be harder to see a change in colour, but you can still feel the sandpaper-like texture of the rash and see the raised bumps. Patients typically have flushed cheeks and can be pale around the mouth. This may be accompanied by a bright red ‘strawberry’ tongue.

  Despite the increase we are seeing in scarlet fever and other Group A Strep infections, the risk of the bacteria causing a more serious infection remains very low. But as a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement. If you think you, or your child, might have scarlet fever:

  • contact your GP or NHS 111 as soon as possible, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of a more serious infection
  • make sure that you or your child take(s) the full course of any antibiotics prescribed. Although you or your child will feel better soon after starting the course of antibiotics, you must complete the course to ensure that you do not carry the bacteria in your throat after you have recovered
  • stay at home, away from nursery, school or work for at least 24 hours after starting the antibiotic treatment, to avoid spreading the infection

  You can help stop the spread of infection through frequent hand washing and by not sharing eating utensils, clothes, bedding and towels. All contaminated tissues  should be disposed of immediately.

  Invasive Group A Strep (iGAS)

  The same bacteria which cause scarlet fever can also cause a range of other types of infection such as skin infections (impetigo) and sore throat. In very rare cases, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive group A strep (iGAS). Whilst still very uncommon, there has been an increase in iGAS cases this year, particularly in children under 10 years old. It is very rare for children with scarlet fever to develop iGAS infection.

  As a parent, you should trust your own judgement.

  Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:

  • your child is getting worse
  • your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
  • your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
  • your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
  • your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
  • your child is very tired or irritable

  Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
  • there are pauses when your child breathes
  • your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
  • your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

   

  Stop the spread

  During periods of high incidence of scarlet fever, there may also be an increase in outbreaks in schools, nurseries and other childcare settings. Children and adults with suspected scarlet fever should stay off nursery / school / work until 24 hours after the start of appropriate antibiotic treatment. Good hygiene practice such as hand washing remains the most important step in preventing and controlling spread of infection.

   

  Thank you for your time

   

  Resources

  NHS – Scarlet Fever

  Scarlet fever: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

  Health protection in children and youngpeople settings, including education

  Hand hygiene resources for schools

   

• Useful Helplines this Christmas

  Thu 15 Dec 2022

  Here are some useful helplines open over Christmas:

  If you are a child worried about something and you don’t have a trusted adult you can speak to then you can speak to the NSPCC - 0808 800 5000 

  If you are a child worried about something and you don’t have a trusted adult you can speak to then you can speak to the Childline - 0800 1111 

  Reporting online abuse CEOP

  For Sandwell residents Sandwell Residents Help

  Support services in Sandwell SCVO – 0121 525 1127

  The Samaritans are here to help people struggling with mental health Samaritans - 116 123

  Struggling to cope with how you are feeling text Shout – Text 85258

  Struggling to cope with how you are feeling Mind  -  0300 123 3393

  Struggling to cope with how you are feeling No Panic  -  0300 7729844

  Struggling to cope with how you are feeling  Campaign Against Living Miserably  -  0800 58 58 58

  Worried about drinking too much Drinkline - 0300 123 1110

  Worried about drugs Talk to Frank - 0300 123 6600

  Worried about finances and money issues National Debtline  -  0808 808 4000

  Worried about homelessness Shelter  -  0808 800 4444

  Worried about being abused by someone National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247

  Support with death and bereavement Cruse Bereavement Care - 0808 808 1677

  Support if you are dealing with cancer Macmillan Cancer Support  -   0808 808 00 00

  Support for the elderly Age UK - 0800 055 6112

  Support for the elderly The Silver Line - 0800 4 70 80 90

• Y5 Production

  Thu 15 Dec 2022

  Our children in Year 5 have been studying the Victorians this term and what better way to end the term than a performance of the Dicken's classic, Oliver Twist. The children were brilliant, from singing to acting to scene changing, they all did a wonderful job and are just another reason why we are so proud of our children at Cape. 

   

  Well done Year 5!

• KS1 Christmas sing-a-long

  Wed 14 Dec 2022

  What a joy it has been to enjoy some festive singing from KS1 these past two days. The children in Year 1 & Year 2 have been practising songs for Christmas and performed beautifully for parents on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Due to COVID this is the first time that these children have performed for such a large live audience. They did a super job and the dancing was fab! Well done KS1!

• Strep A and Scarlet Fever - Information leaflet from Sandwell LA

  Mon 12 Dec 2022

  What is Group A Streptococcal infection?

  Group A streptococci (GAS) are a type of bacteria and is spread by close contact between individuals, through respiratory droplets and direct skin contact. GAS infection is contagious.

  Scarlet fever

  Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. It is a bacterial infection.

  • Sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.
  • On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.

  Contact NHS 111 or GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/

  If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scarlet-fever-managing-outbreaks-in-schools-and-nurseries

  Sore throat/ tonsillitis

  Most sore throats are viral however, some can be bacterial especially if white pus present.

  • a painful throat especially when swallowing, a dry scratchy throat, redness in the back of your mouth, bad breath, a mild cough, swollen neck glands and fever

  Contact NHS 111 or GP if your sore throat does not improve after a week, you often get sore throats, you have a sore throat and a very high temperature, or you feel hot and shivery or you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of diabetes or chemotherapy. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sore-throat/

  You do not normally need antibiotics for a sore throat because they will not usually relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery. They'll only be prescribed if a GP thinks you could have a bacterial infection.

  You can still send your child to school if they have a sore throat but if they also have a high temperature, they should stay at home until it goes away. A sore throat and a high temperature can be symptoms of tonsillitis. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

  What is Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infection?

  Very rarely, GAS can also cause more serious or ‘invasive’ infection (iGAS). Where iGAS infection occurs, the bacteria may produce toxins and may cause a number of severe and sometimes fatal conditions such as:

  • An infection of the bloodstream
  • Severe infection which spreads to areas of soft tissue below the skin.
  • Toxic shock syndrome. This is rare but can cause rapidly progressive symptoms of faintness, vomiting, diarrhoea, high fever, rash and confusion.

  Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • Your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
  • There are pauses when your child breathes
  • Your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue

  Your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-scarlet-fever-and-invasive-group-a-strep

• Government guidance on illness absence

  Mon 12 Dec 2022

  Please see the image below regarding the Governments advice over illness and absence from school. Whilst we recognise children get poorly from time to time it is important to make sure your child attends school every day.

  

• Holiday Activities in Smethwick

  Mon 12 Dec 2022

  Sandwell have a pot of money to provide holiday activities to families in receipt of free school meals. If you are entitled to free school meals the school office will have sent your HAF code. To find out more and book your child on some activities click here.

   

  

• EYFS Nativity

  Fri 09 Dec 2022

  Thank you so much to all of the parents and families that attended our EYFS Nativity today, it was wonderful to welcome families back in to school following the last two years and restrictions. Our Reception and Nursery did a fantastic job, the singing was marvellous and the speaking was incredible. Well done everyone and thank you to our fabulous staff for organising and helping the children to learn the songs and lines. My Christmas has officially started!

   

  Miss Baker 

• Pupil Admission Number Consultation

  Fri 09 Dec 2022

  The birth rate in the area and nationally has fallen in recent years and this means that there are fewer children coming in to schools. As a result we are consulting to change our pupil admission number (PAN) from 90 to 60 from September 2023. This means there will be 60 places available in reception and not 90. To find out more please click here to read about the consultation on the council website.

• Keep Warm advice this winter

  Thu 08 Dec 2022

  We are about to head into the coldest part of the year. Here is some useful advice about keeping warm this winter. Don't forget that Sandwell are also providing warm spaces for families who may be struggling with keeping homes warm click here to find out more.